Archbishop of Seoul: Korea will pray with the Pope for peace in Syria
by Joseph Yun Li-sun
Mgr. Yeom explains the steps taken to join the vigil of prayer and fasting called by the pontiff: "We call on all those who visit the places of pilgrimage in the capital to pray for the intentions of the Pope. So do the 300 thousand youth group Bible study”. Pain and special closeness “for childrens, innocent victims of the conflict.”

Seoul (AsiaNews) - The news coming from Syria, "ravage me. My heart bleeds especially for children who are victims of the conflict. The appeal of Pope Francis is very important, a fundamental tool for world peace. Now more than ever we Christians must stand together and pray." The Archbishop of Seoul, Msgr. Andrew Yeom Soo-jung, tells AsiaNews how is he involving the South Korean capital on the day of fasting and prayer for peace in Syria, the Middle East and around the world convened by the pope for September 7.

Archbishop Yeom Soo-jung has asked everyone who joins in the walking pilgrimage of "the Month of Martyrs" to pray for the situation in Syria. A notice was also sent to each holy place and martyrs' shrine to put up reminders so that people will remember to add Syria in their prayers during the pilgrimage. More importantly, the Archbishop has also asked "Bible Study for Youth," the biggest gathering for young people in Korea with about 300 thousand members, to pray especially for the peace in Syria.

The Archdiocese of Seoul, says the bishop, "is close to the heart of the situation in Syria and the Middle East. I felt devastated to hear about the News of Syria, and my heart bleeds for the innocent children who had died. The Archdiocese of Seoul earnestly prays for Syria, the Middle East, and the World, hoping that real peace may come as soon as possible."